De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
24 on-trend watches from Baselworld
Watches crafted in rose gold with gray straps and dials and the introduction of timepieces that are priced to sell--keeping in mind in today’s still-price-conscious consumer--are just two of the trends from Baselworld 2014.
The watch industry finds itself sitting squarely in this space. Statistics presented by Baselworld show organizers at the event’s opening press conference showed that the Swiss watch industry has seen demand normalize since recovering from the recession.
In 2013, Swiss watch exports were up 2 percent year-over-year in value terms but dropped 4 percent in volume terms. Demand fell in the all-important Chinese and Hong Kong markets and was up only very slightly--2 percent--in the United States.
Consumers remain cautious and watchmakers are taking this into account, making watches that are price-point friendly one of the main trends seen at the 2014 Baselworld show, alongside an aesthetic preference for rose gold and gray and the use of titanium.
The grandsons of the late watchmaker Raymond Weil started 88 Rue du Rhone in 2012 to fill what they saw as a need in the market for Swiss-made watches that retail between $375 and $1,000. American-made Shinola, which launched last year and crafts belts, bikes and wallets alongside watches at its factory in Detroit, sells its timepieces for $475 to about $850.
Claude Bernard, which is made entirely in-house in the brand’s facility in Les Genevez, Switzerland, came under new U.S. distributorship last February and is now in 35 doors across the country. The entry point for the brand’s quartz watches is $200 while its automatic models range in price from $595 to $1,795.
Japanese brand Seiko introduced Recraft at the show, a new line of mostly quartz watches priced for younger consumers that range from $195 to $395, while Swarovski lowered prices on its Octea Sport models and Zenith made price a focal point in creating its new Port Royal watches.
Baselworld 2014 also included a number of timepieces inspired by decades gone by, which is not unusual. Both watch and jewelry brands often turn to their archives when looking for future inspiration.
Swatch Group-owned Longines leaned heavily on the past in creating models for 2014. The Swatch Group-owned brand introduced a limited-edition Conquest to mark the model’s 60th anniversary
Omega, another Swatch Group-owned brand, also took a cue from history in creating a limited-edition Omega Speedmaster that marks the 45th anniversary of the first man on the moon. The brand is making 1,969 of these watches, a nod to the year of the lunar landing.
Astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong both wore Omega watches for their historic spacewalk. Aldrin had an Omega Speedmaster Professional chronograph strapped around his spacesuit while Armstrong left his Speedmaster aboard the Lunar Landing Module as a backup.
A new collection from Rolex, Cellini, consists of 12 “classically inspired” models powered by in-house movements divided into three collections, Cellini Time; Cellini Date, which adds a date function via a subdial; and Cellini Dual Time, which keeps time in two time zones simultaneously. The watches all come on alligator straps and are available in 18-karat white or the brand’s “Everose” gold.
All prices given in the slideshow (link above) are retail.
The Latest
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
Joyce’s Jewelry sued the bank after cybercriminals drained its accounts of nearly $1.6 million through a series of wire transfers.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.
He is remembered for his charisma, passion, integrity, kindness, and wit.
The retailer also appointed two new board members, avoiding a proxy fight from a potential buyer.
The bridal collection consists of 35 engagement rings and seven wedding bands.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
The family-owned jeweler has a new education section on its website dedicated to the history of diamond cutting.